Intel CPUs stability issue: Difference between revisions

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This article discusses the stability issues related to Intel's 13th and 14th generation desktop processors, and how the company has handled the situation.

Some users have reported system crashes, freezes, and instability during intensive workloads, particularly in applications that require high CPU usage. At first, the exact causes of this problem were unclear, prompting Intel to investigate and release official statements.

While the root cause of the problem was still unknown, part of it seemed to be caused by CPUs operating beyond recommended voltage, frequency, and thermal limits. According to Intel, most of the reports involve unlocked motherboards with BIOS settings that disable safeguards like '''Current Excursion Protection (CEP)''' and '''Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB)'''. Some motherboard manufacturers were also modifying the '''CPU load line''' configuration settings by default, optimizing it in order to make the processors run cooler.

<blockquote>Intel® has observed that this issue may be related to out of specification operating conditions resulting in sustained high voltage and frequency during periods of elevated heat.

'''Intel® will be publishing a public statement regarding issue status and Intel® recommended BIOS setting recommendations targeted for May 2024.'''</blockquote>

After conducting analysis on the returned chips, Intel has determined that instability issues were caused by elevated operating voltage, stemming from a microcode algorithm that generated incorrect voltage requests. Customer support was organized as follows: users who purchased systems from OEMs or system integrators were directed to contact their vendor, those with boxed processors were advised to reach out to Intel Support, and tray processor users were instructed to contact their place of purchase.

<blockquote>Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors returned to us due to instability issues, we have determined that elevated operating voltage is causing instability issues in some 13th/14th Gen desktop processors. Our analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor.

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The PR department subsequently updated the statement on [https://www.reddit.com/r/intel/comments/1e9mf04/intel_core_13th14th_gen_desktop_processors/ Reddit], integrating crucial details. A via oxidation manufacturing issue affected some early 13th Gen desktop processors, and it was resolved with improvements and screens in 2023. Analysis of instability reports seemed to indicate that a small percentage of cases were linked to this defect. It has also been confirmed that mobile 13th and 14th generation processors are not affected by any of these issues.<blockquote>So that you don't have to hun down the answer -> '''Questions about manufacturing or Via Oxidation as reported by Tech outlets:'''

'''Edits:'''

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The issues mentioned above have led to some CPUs becoming irreversibly damaged, resulting in the '''Vmin shift'''. High operating temperatures cause the silicon in the processor to degrade, requiring a higher minimum voltage to operate stably. This, in turn, leads to even higher temperatures, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately results in the CPU failing. Intel has identified four key issues contributing to the instability. For the explanation of each issue, refer to the full statement below.

<blockquote>Following extensive investigation of the Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop processor Vmin Shift Instability issue, Intel can now confirm the root cause diagnosis for the issue. This post will cover Intel’s understanding of the root cause, as well as additional mitigations and next steps for Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop users.

'''Intel® has identified four (4) operating scenarios that can lead to Vmin shift in affected processors:'''  

'''Regarding the 0x12B update, Intel® is working with its partners to roll out the relevant BIOS update to the public.'''

Users can check their system/motherboard manufacturer’s website and/or the Intel® Product Compatibility Tool to see the latest BIOS versions for their Intel® Core™ 13th and/or 14th Gen-powered desktop systems: <nowiki>https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/</nowiki>.  

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Here’s a summary of what owners of affected 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs can do:

These steps can help mitigate instability and prolong the lifespan of the processor.

https://www.igorslab.de/en/intel-releases-the-13th-and-14th-generation-k-sku-processor-instability-issue-update/